Gold steadies near $3,350 as markets eye US CPI and tariff-related inflation risks

NEW YORK (July 15) Gold (XAU/USD) is holding firm, trading slightly higher in the European session on Tuesday, with buyers stepping in ahead of key US inflation data as tariff concerns resurface.

The precious metal bounces back from Monday’s dip and is trading above $3,350 at the time of writing. Focus now shifts to the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) release for June at 12:30 GMT, a major short-term catalyst for price action.

Markets are closely watching CPI data for signs that tariff-driven cost pressures are being passed on to consumers.

Economists are forecasting the annual headline CPI figure for June to rise 2.7%, up from 2.4%. The core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, is expected to print at 3%, up from 2.8%.

These figures matter because inflation that runs hot could force the Federal Reserve (Fed) to delay interest rate cuts, which would help raise the demand for US yields.

A stronger US Dollar (USD) in response to rising yields could limit the short-term upside potential for XAU/USD. However, expectations persist that persistent inflation will increase the likelihood of the economy slowing at a faster pace. Since inflation reduces the purchasing power of a currency, Gold is often seen as a hedge against such risks, which may help limit the downside move.

Gold daily digest: Trade tensions, tariff risks, and price pressures drive XAU/USD price action

• According to the CME FedWatch Tool, analysts expect the Fed to hold interest rates steady within the 4.25% to 4.50% range in July. The probability of a September rate cut is currently at 59.3%, which may change in response to the US inflation data. 
• Additional catalysts for Gold on Tuesday include developments in bilateral relations. As the August 1 tariff deadline approaches, the increase in levies on US imports could further support demand for safe-haven assets, including precious metals. In contrast, easing trade tensions and improved risk sentiment could weigh on XAU/USD price action.
• After US President Donald Trump announced that tariffs on EU imports to the US will be set at 30% on Saturday, an official statement was published on the European Commission’s press corner on Sunday, which read, “We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by August 1. At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.” 
• On Friday, President Trump announced that Mexico will also face a 30% levy on imports to the US. A letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, posted on Truth Social read: “Despite our strong relationship, you will recall, the United States imposed Tariffs on Mexico to deal with our Nation’s Fentanyl crisis, which is caused, in part, by Mexico’s failure to stop the Cartels, who are made up of the most despicable people who ever walked the Earth, from pouring these drugs into our country,”
• In a press conference on Monday, President Sheinbaum responded, stating that “If the United States government and its agencies wanted to address the serious consumption of fentanyl in their country, they could combat the sale of narcotics on the streets of their main cities, which they don't do".
• The wave of trade threats, especially from the US, Mexico, and the EU, adds a layer of political uncertainty that supports safe-haven demand in Gold. Traders may continue buying dips in XAU/USD not just on soft economic data, but also on signs of deteriorating diplomacy, particularly if rhetoric escalates ahead of August 1 deadline.

FXStreet